Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

[CreepingDeath]

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

Anyone else shocked about Snape???

I was pretty shocked after reading the second chapter. Snape (curse him) harboring Peter Pettigrew and making the "Unbreakable Vow" to Narcissa Malfoy? BOOO!

I still can't believe Dumbledore is gone. He's been my favorite since I started reading the books when I was 14 (I'm 22 now). I hated how he died too. If he wasn't already weakend Snape wouldn't have a chance in hell of killing him. One thing that doesn't make sense to me though, is why didn't Dumbledore disarm Malfoy or magic his own wand back to him? We know he can do magic without a wand.

About R.A.B.- The initials written in the locket. The only person I can think of with the initials R.B. is Regulus Black, Sirius Black's brother, where coincidentally, a locket was found in Grimmauld Place that nobody could open. Maybe that's the true Horcrux?

One more thing- I know I'm the only one who was hoping for a Harry/Hermione pairing, so BOOO! again.

[hayley]

I'm still convinced that Snape killing Dumbledore was not what it appeared. I mean, he killed him- but perhaps Dumbledore KNEW that Snape had to make that Unbreakable Vow to protect Draco in order to not cast suspicion upon himself amongst the Death Eaters, and Dumbledore knew that Draco had been trying to kill him. Maybe Dumbledore and Snape knew this was the only way. I have no idea what I'm talking about.

I just have to hope that there's more to Snape doing what he did. I can't accept him becoming a villain like that. I mean- don't you think Snape killing Dumbledore will have now cemented Voldemort's belief in him in a way that wasn't possible before? Possibly now allowing Snape access to him in a way that the Order of the Phoenix could have NEVER gotten before? I think I was comforted by the fact that he didn't really strike back at anyone when he was escaping with Draco- he HAD to have known Harry was up on the roof, because there were two broomsticks, and Snape is obviously quite familiar with Harry's invisibility cloak. Also, instead of really trying to curse Harry during his escape, he just deflected all of Harry's curses. Like he didn't want to hurt him. Which may be because Voldemort wants him for himself- who knows. I'm the queen of wishful thinking.

I do think that R.A.B. is Regulus Black. I also think that he may not be dead, but that he's still alive based on what Dumbledore told Draco about being able to hide him and make everyone think he's dead. I also instantly remembered the locket in Grimmauld Place- and I think that Mundungus Fletcher may have stolen it from the house to sell. I can't think of any other concrete reason for J.K. to have included that scene with him in the book if it's not setting up something for the next one.

I loved Harry & Ginny. I've been waiting for that. I think Ginny's it for him, and they'll get married and he'll be a Weasley and a part of a family. And as upset as I was over the way this book ended, it really was the only thing they could've done to keep the story moving instead of stagnant. And the idea of a Year 7 where there may be no school, and where they're basically going on a quest to find Voldemort and avenge Harry's parents and Dumbledore? Nothing but awesome.

omg, that was the world's longest rant on this stuff. Years ago, no one would've ever been able to convince me that I could get this upset/vehement/emotional about kids books.

[DrummerDeanna]

Harry and Hermione!?! NO WAY! I've always known it would be Ron/Hermione and Harry Ginny - there are too many similarities between Ginny and Harry's mother

Good theory on the horcrux!!!

Dumbledore, knew that Malfoy would not be able to kill him - which he was not - that was a crazy scene too - Malfoy's weakening.

Then the other Death Eaters mentioned that the orders were for MALFOY to kill Dumbledore - so they couldn't do it. Snape was also communicating w/ Voldemort - so perhaps he had free reign as well. And apparently Dumbledore didn't think Snape would kill him - "Severus please..." or whatever he was saying to him.

It was just heartbreaking!

[DrummerDeanna]

Originally Posted by hayley

I'm still convinced that Snape killing Dumbledore was not what it appeared. I mean, he killed him- but perhaps Dumbledore KNEW that Snape had to make that Unbreakable Vow to protect Draco in order to not cast suspicion upon himself amongst the Death Eaters, and Dumbledore knew that Draco had been trying to kill him. Maybe Dumbledore and Snape knew this was the only way. I have no idea what I'm talking about.

I just have to hope that there's more to Snape doing what he did. I\.

OMG _ that is EXACTLY what I though initially - which is also why Dumbledore immediately made it so that Harry was imobilized!!! Everyone else I've shared that theory with discounts it!!!

And ITA aboutHarry/Ginny

Oh - and yeah - I can't even think of another book I have felt this passionate about I'm so attached to those characters.

[Wild_Heart03]

Originally Posted by CreepingDeath

About R.A.B.- The initials written in the locket. The only person I can think of with the initials R.B. is Regulus Black, Sirius Black's brother, where coincidentally, a locket was found in Grimmauld Place that nobody could open. Maybe that's the true Horcrux?

That was EXACTLY my theory!! Everyone I know who's read the books is just saying "Who on earth is R.A.B?" and when I tell them that it could be Regulus, they never seem to remember him. Maybe they just haven't read Order Of The Phoenix yet....

[CreepingDeath]

Originally Posted by hayley

I'm still convinced that Snape killing Dumbledore was not what it appeared. I mean, he killed him- but perhaps Dumbledore KNEW that Snape had to make that Unbreakable Vow to protect Draco in order to not cast suspicion upon himself amongst the Death Eaters, and Dumbledore knew that Draco had been trying to kill him. Maybe Dumbledore and Snape knew this was the only way. I have no idea what I'm talking about.

I just have to hope that there's more to Snape doing what he did. I can't accept him becoming a villain like that. I mean- don't you think Snape killing Dumbledore will have now cemented Voldemort's belief in him in a way that wasn't possible before? Possibly now allowing Snape access to him in a way that the Order of the Phoenix could have NEVER gotten before? I think I was comforted by the fact that he didn't really strike back at anyone when he was escaping with Draco- he HAD to have known Harry was up on the roof, because there were two broomsticks, and Snape is obviously quite familiar with Harry's invisibility cloak. Also, instead of really trying to curse Harry during his escape, he just deflected all of Harry's curses. Like he didn't want to hurt him. Which may be because Voldemort wants him for himself- who knows. I'm the queen of wishful thinking.

After giving it much thought, I'm starting to believe that too. Here's my theory--

By raising his wand at Dumbledore and killing him, Snape has finally delcared complete loyalty to the Order. Killing his true master, is an act that should silence all Death Eater's mistrust of him and convince them that he's truly on their side. Dumbledore's pleas to Snape, "Severus....please...." were not begging him to spare him, but to finish him, in hopes that Snape will remain in the most important position, able to, when needed, turn on Voldemort and help the Order finish him. Afterall, I have to believe Dumbledore was right in trusting Snape.

[darklinensuit]

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

Oh but first - Jake....

She is an amazing writer. I was pulled in from book one. She writes characters really well and I feel that all are very well developed. There are characters you love, characters you hate etc. ANd you get very attached to the title character who just has an amazing story.

These books have all you mentioned, Characterization, great plot, humor, escapism - drama = they're just fantastic.

Okay. Thanks.

- Jake

[Moony]

I guess I'm alone in this, but I found Half Blood Prince to be rather poorly written. To me, only the beginning and ending chapters are of any worth. The entire middle section is endless "snogging," arguing, FILLER. It didn't help that the plot felt so forced either. I think Rowling is losing her touch.

[DrummerDeanna]

Originally Posted by Moony

I guess I'm alone in this, but I found Half Blood Prince to be rather poorly written. To me, only the beginning and ending chapters are of any worth. The entire middle section is endless "snogging," arguing, FILLER. It didn't help that the plot felt so forced either. I think Rowling is losing her touch.

Oh yeah? Well..um Ewan MacGregor sucks

I'm very surprised by that reaction to the book actually - but to each their own. I found her writing to be superb in this book - best yet!

[Sugar]

OMG I CRIED!

Add me to the "It ain't goin' down like dat" club! You guys have thought through it more than me, but yeah, Snape must have had a deal with Dumbledore.

I thought it was well written, but I always think these are well written!

Swear to God, Rowling must have sold her soul to the devil!

[darklinensuit]

The local newscast here has tonight's top story on how to see if your kid needs counseling after reading the twists in this book. Deanna, aren't you sorry you missed this piece of journalism?

- Jake

[Moony]

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

Oh yeah? Well..um Ewan MacGregor sucks

I'm very surprised by that reaction to the book actually - but to each their own. I found her writing to be superb in this book - best yet!

*GASP*!!!!
how dare you....

It is kinda strange that I didn't care for this one, especially because I like or love the others. Maybe a re-read will change my opinion. Sometimes it helps.

[tynan88]

I personally like the first four books best because they have a distinct conclusion...I think there is way too much story in this book yet not really enough substance.

I LOVE Harry Potter, and I don't think there is anything else with Snape to be honest, I think he is just evil and I thought that was summed up with the whole "Severus please..." part.

I must say though, I look forward to a conclusion in the next book, and I really really did enjoy the story, just became frustrated that so little really was happening in the big scheme until right at the end.

I did enjoy this book more than the fifth, but I wish I had read it a week or two before to refresh my memory because I had even forgotten who the hell Dolores Umbridge was! LOL I didn't think that book was too memorable.

Rowling I think has deffinitely changed her style of writing, there is no more emphasis on Christmas or the quidditch or anything, but now I come to think about it...maybe that reflects the character's lives at the moment.

I can't wait for book Seven!

[DownOnRodeo]

Originally Posted by CreepingDeath

Dumbledore's pleas to Snape, "Severus....please...." were not begging him to spare him, but to finish him

That's how I originally read that scene. Think about it - Dumbledore would never plead for his life. He's not afraid of death... the all-important disctinction between him and the Death Eaters.

Also, having drunk that poison, he was already on the verge of death. By the point where the trap is srpung, he is beyond saving.

Snape didn't help Voldemort by mercifully 'euthanising' Dumbledore... Draco was meant to murder him and go more to the 'dark side'. Instead, you have Dumbledore-loyal Snape ready to fight another day, and Draco not completely lost to the dark side. I've always been sure that he'd make good in book 7.

Interesting about the Horcrux theory - that's too complicated for me!

[DownOnRodeo]

Originally Posted by tynan88

I personally like the first four books best because they have a distinct conclusion...I think there is way too much story in this book yet not really enough substance.

It's funny. I thought that about the last two, or Book 5 especially. It was not as succint as the others had been. I feel that with this book she is back at the form from Book 3, my favourite until now. Now, with all the hilarity and fast paced intrigue, and candid dialogue of all characters, Half-Blood Prince is at the top of my list.